Local politicians react to Mayor Given not seeking a fourth term

After serving close to 20 years at City Hall, with one more to go, some of his political colleagues from the region took time to reflect on his lengthy political career.

“Working with Bill has been a real pleasure,” said Grande Prairie City Councillor Jackie Clayton. “He’s a great leader and always willing to mentor new politicians.

“Last year when I was newly elected, Bill was very supportive in making sure that councillors knew the ins and outs of how things run in the meeting and is always willing to guide people, without necessarily sharing his personal opinions. But truly just leading the path to make you an efficient and effective councilor.”

Councillor Dylan Bressey tells EverythingGP that Given was an influence for him when he first arrived in Grande Prairie

“I’m really thankful for the many years that he has given the city. I’m excited to see what we get to accomplish over the next year we have together.

“I know for me when I was new in Grande Prairie, I was running a non-profit trying to figure out how this town worked and he was very gracious with his time, helping me figure out what makes this community tick.”

Bressey says he had just moved from Calgary to start running the non-profit.

“The fact that the Mayor would give somebody that is brand new to town some of his time made a big impression on me. It really helped me realize there was something special about Grande Prairie.”

Given also inspired Bressey to get involved in politics.

“He was one of the first people that kind of nudged me in the ribs and said you should think about running. I know he’s done that with a lot of other people. He’s been very passionate about getting people more involved in their community and that’s something I’ve always appreciated about him.”

Though she is just over a month into her new role, Minister of Municipal Affairs for Alberta and MLA for Grande Prairie, Tracy Allard, says she has worked well with Given in her time in politics.

Both of them said that they have enjoyed their time working with the Mayor and have been able to maintain a healthy relationship.

“First of all, I will say I’m the newbie to politics,” mentioned Allard. “I’ve only been in this game for a couple of years, a year-and-a-half elected and a year before that campaigning and figuring that out.”

“I have gained a whole new level of respect for people who put themselves out there as politicians. I really believe that democracy needs good people to step forward, so I just wanted to say thank you to Bill for his service to our community over the years.”

Given’s fellow leader in the Grande Prairie area, and Reeve for the County of Grande Prairie, Leanne Beaupre says she was taken back by the announcement, but comends him for his near two decades of public service.

“We are a year out from an election and typically elected officials are pretty close to their chest about what they’re going to do, or what their intention is until closer to election time, so today was very much a surprise,” explained Beaupre.

“We have worked well together when it comes to collaboration, whether it’s trying to promote our region or leverage dollars for our region or trying to attract not-for-profit organizations for their benefit as well. I think we’ve, in the past, our councils have done a very good job in doing those types of activities. The Mayor himself is a good guy and we certainly wish him well and wish him a smooth transition into non-elected life.”

With Given set to leave the Mayor’s office next October, questions will surface about who could be interested in running for Mayor, however, that is still over a year away.

When asked if he might run, Councillor Bressey wouldn’t commit to anything.

“Me and my family are still trying to figure out what the next four years might look for us. We’ve got kids that are in the fun time of life and my wife and I are both in the middle of our careers.”

“I really enjoy the job as councillor, in terms of when I’m a councilor I get to speak for myself and the people who voted me in. The Mayor has got a tough job in terms of he needs to speak for all of council, whether he agrees with us or not and that doesn’t always look like a fun job to me. So, I really enjoy my current job,” said Bressey jokingly.

Councilor Clayton says she hasn’t made any decisions on whether she should attempt to run for mayor.

“I think that whoever chooses to run for that position needs to take many things into consideration before making that decision. It’s a very large role and there’s very large shoes to fill with Bill leaving.”

by Shane Clausing

Local politicians react to Mayor Given not seeking a fourth term

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